"Domestic 5G Smartphone Shipments to Increase by 56% Next Year"

2021 Smartphone Shipments Expected to Reach 16 Million Units
5G iPhone and Mid-Range Models Expand 5G Lineup

[Asia Economy Reporter Han Jinju] Domestic 5G smartphone shipments are expected to increase by 56% next year compared to this year.

On the 24th, market research firm Counterpoint Research forecasted that domestic 5G smartphone shipments in 2021 will reach 16 million units. This represents a 56% growth from this year's domestic 5G smartphone shipments of 10.3 million units.

In the third quarter, smartphone shipments accounted for 49% of total shipments. This is a slight increase compared to the same period last year (47%), but the growth has somewhat slowed compared to the initial phase.

Samsung Electronics has equipped not only its flagship but also mid-to-low-end product lines with 5G. It expanded its 5G smartphone portfolio with models such as the Galaxy S20, Galaxy Note20, and Galaxy A Quantum.

With Apple also releasing 5G iPhones in the fourth quarter, the share of 5G smartphone sales is increasing, and 5G smartphone sales are expected to exceed 10 million units by the end of this year.

Im Sujeong, a researcher at Counterpoint Research, explained, "It is expected that a large number of replacement demand customers who have been waiting for 5G iPhones will make purchases, and with Samsung's release of affordable 5G models, the 5G smartphone market can record significant growth through next year. Although users still have complaints about 5G services, since the three mobile carriers are accelerating the construction of in-building networks, the 5G usage experience indoors, including in subways, is expected to gradually improve."